BRYAN BLACK
October 4, 2017
Name: SSG Bryan Black
Hometown: Puyallup, Washington
DOB: August 3rd, 1982 DOD: October 4th, 2017
Entered Service: October 2009
Deployments: Black deployed to Afghanistan and to Niger, West Africa
Units: Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Education: The Special Operations Combat Medic Course, Ranger Course,
Special Forces Qualification Course, Arabic Special Operations Language Training, Advanced
Leader’s Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Course, Basic Leaders Course, and the Combat Lifesavers Course.
Awards and Decorations: The Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with C Device, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Niger Cross of Valor with Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge – Sharpshooter with Rifle.
Survived By: His wife, Michelle, and their sons, Isaac and Ezekiel, his parents Karen and Henry Black, and his brother Jason Black.
SSG Bryan Black was killed in Niger as a result of hostile fire. His detachment conducted a reconnaissance patrol along with host nation military forces. The SF team and Nigerien troops were in southwestern Niger near the Mali border when they were attacked by a militant group of 50 plus fighters. SSG Black and 3 other soldiers lost their lives.
